Portrait of Joan George 1959

Pencil

 

Joan George was one of the founders of the Stanley Spencer Gallery in 1962.  Having met Stanley in 1954 and written an article about him for The Yorkshire Post which was published a year later, she became firm friends with the artist.  He drew Joan’s daughter Clare in 1957 and produced this pencil portrait of Joan herself in the last year of his life.  Not entirely satisfied with the result Stanley put it to one side and said he would ‘have another go’ when feeling stronger – an opportunity which sadly did not come his way.  The full story of Joan’s friendship with Spencer, and the setting up of the Stanley Spencer Gallery can be read in her book ‘Stanley Spencer Remembered’, available in the gallery shop.